Academic programme at DUT suspended again
DUT is closed once again as its management tries to curb violent protests.
EVEN with a high court order in hand, the management of the Durban University of Technology appear helpless to stop the violent protests that have dogged the University in recent weeks. Late yesterday, DUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Ahmed Bawa issued a statement saying that the university, attended by thousands of students, would be closed today.According to Bawa there have been violent protests at the institution this week. “ Previously, I have gone on record by admitting that the safety and security of our students and staff is essential – and now that the SRC has broken its agreement with the University, DUT has to take special measures to protect its community and property, ” he said.
Bawa said that the university had been granted a High Court interdict against the SRC and any other students involved in the protest action. “The court order offers protection to the university from further protests, violence, intimidation and disruptions. The court interdict covers all campuses,” he said.
He added that the academic programme in the Midlands Centre at the Riverside Campus and Indumiso Campus would continue as normal.
“The full-time programme at the affected Durban campuses will return to their normal schedules on Thursday this week. DUT had reached an agreement with the SRC 13 days ago and unfortunately, the SRC has since abandoned that commitment to not have violent protests, intimidation and disruptions on campus,” he said. According to Bawa the new High Court Order will be immediately enforced. Police have been called in to “ensure that the interdict is not violated by the student protestors ”.
Here’s the High Court order that DUT has secured against more than 15 SRC members and students:
